Encapsulated shelf for refrigerated compartments

ABSTRACT

An encapsulated shelf assembly has a shelf support supporting a panel. The panel has an edge and a one piece member encapsulates the panel edge and a substantial majority of the shelf support. The encapsulated shelf assembly may be formed in a mold apparatus which defines a mold cavity and uses a spacing plug to position the shelf support in a mold cavity of the mold apparatus in a location spaced from the sides of the mold cavity. A method of making the encapsulated shelf assembly includes providing a mold apparatus defining a mold cavity, providing and supporting a shelf panel in the mold apparatus with an edge of the panel extending into the cavity, providing and supporting a shelf support in the mold apparatus with a majority of the shelf support positioned in the mold cavity and spaced from the sides of the mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with a moldable material to encapsulate each of the majority of the shelf support and the edge of the shelf panel, and removing the encapsulated shelf assembly from the mold cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.07/665,661, entitled MOLDED REFRIGERATOR SHELF and filed on Mar. 7, 1991by Bird et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,145, the disclosure of which isincorporated here by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to shelving and is particularly beneficial whenused as refrigerator shelving and the like.

Articles containing liquid are spillable and, as is their nature, dospill. In the context of a refrigerator for example, such a spill willtypically soak into other items and contaminate other foods. Extensivecleanup efforts will commonly be required for spills which often flowdownward from one shelf to another shelf. Containment measures forlimiting the area of such a spill are, therefore, desirable. One suchmeasure is a spill resistant shelf to contain a spill to the shelf uponwhich the spill occurs to minimize, if not preclude, downward flow ofthe spill.

Previously known spill resistant shelves include a shelf with atwo-piece "picture frame" rim circumscribing the periphery of a glasspanel or the like. A silicone seal or the like is commonly providedbetween the frame and the top of the glass panel for liquid spillresistance. However, such prior known spill resistant shelves do notresolve and may actually promote yet another problem. Items which arespilled upon such shelves can seep between the glass panel and thesurrounding frame to a location which is difficult, if not practicallyimpossible, to clean. Thus, and in spite of the sanitary benefits ofusing a glass panel, for example, an unsanitary condition readilydevelops when food stuffs become trapped between the panel and framemembers of the known shelf structures.

Another consideration in designing shelving for a refrigeratedcompartment is the circulation or convection of air through thecompartment. Air circulation is desirable to maintain a homogenoustemperature distribution and avoid thermal stratification in which arange of temperature zones develop in the compartment with the coldestzone at the bottom and the warmest zone at the top. Thus, the structureof an effective refrigerator design will typically include air passagespaces at either side of and behind each solid shelf panel. However, theair passage spaces directly decrease the shelf surface area. The widthof a framing structure surrounding the shelf as discussed above, alsoreduces the available shelf area. A reduction in shelf area directlyreduces the storage or holding capacity of the shelf and the associatedrefrigerator. While the reduction in shelf area attributable to airpassage around the shelf perimeter is dictated by thermodynamicperformance, the area lost to perimeter framing results from structuraland design limitations imposed by accommodating the convenience of aspill resistant shelf.

Finally, ease of use and aesthetic considerations are important totoday's purchasing market and have become competitive elements formanufacturers. In response, designers are specifying uncluttered andbright visual appearances with simple, clean lines which enhance utilityand appearance. Modular shelving systems which enhance versatility arealso desired. However, previously known shelf assemblies directed tothese concerns typically include multiple parts which are subject toloss and which require skilled or sophisticated labor to assemble.Further, cracks and crevices inherently defined between adjacent,assembled parts provide food traps and lead to sanitation or cleaningproblems for the user, as discussed above. Thus, there is clearly a needfor a spill resistant shelf providing simple lines with ease of cleaningand modular adaptability to various storage tasks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an encapsulated shelfassembly having a panel with two opposing panel edges, a shelf supportsupporting the panel, and a one piece member encapsulating each of thetwo opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantialmajority of the shelf support. In one aspect of the invention, the shelfsupport has at least one aperture through the shelf support. Theaperture has two opposing aperture ends and the one piece member has arecess aligned with the aperture at one of the two opposing apertureends. Further, the one piece member may have a second recess alignedwith the aperture at the other of the two opposing aperture ends todefine a fastening aperture through the first recess, the aperturethrough the shelf support, and the second recess.

In another aspect of the invention, a support device, including, but notlimited to, a slide guide for a bin or a drawer or the like is connectedwith the shelf support by a fastener extending into the fasteningaperture. The shelf support may have a support body and a support mount,with the support mount releasably coupling at a plurality of verticallyspaced positions with an interior surface of a refrigerated compartment.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the shelf assembly may include aplug positioned in the fastening aperture. The plug has a head seated inthe first recess of the one piece member and has a shaft extending awayfrom the head and through the aperture in the shelf support. The plugmay also have a cooperating nut seated in the second recess of the onepiece member, the nut having an opening coupled with the shaft.

In a further aspect of the invention, the panel has a perimeter edgewhich incorporates the two opposing panel edges and surrounds the panel.The one piece member encapsulates the perimeter edge, defining aperimeter rim. The shelf may further include a seal to resist liquidpenetration between the one piece member and the panel. The one piecemember may also be formed around the perimeter edge and the shelfsupport as a separate piece from at least one of the panel and the shelfsupport.

In another aspect of the invention, the shelf further includes a slideto receive and support a separate article, including, a drawer or thelike, for example, in sliding engagement under the panel. The perimeterrim defines a front slide receptacle at a front edge of the panel and aback slide receptacle at a back edge of the panel. The slide isreleasably coupled with each of the front and back slide receptacles.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the shelf support has at leastone hole through the shelf support and a portion of the one piece memberextends at least into the hole to mechanically fasten the shelf supportand the one piece member together. The shelf support may also includetwo elongated brackets. One of the two brackets may be generallyparallel with one of the two opposing panel edges, while the other ofthe two brackets is generally parallel with the other of the twoopposing panel edges. A third bracket may be positioned between thefirst two brackets. The one piece member couples the third bracket withthe perimeter edge of the panel. The third bracket has a flange and theone piece member has a cooperating slot, so the flange is received andcaptured in the slot.

The invention also includes an apparatus to make an encapsulated shelfassembly which incorporates the aspects discussed above. The apparatushas a mold with a first part and a second part which abut one another todefine a mold cavity therebetween, to support a shelf support in themold cavity, and to support a shelf panel with an edge of the shelfpanel extending into the mold cavity. The apparatus also has at leastone post with a post head and a post shaft extending away from the posthead. The post is positioned in the mold cavity with the post headinterposed between the shelf support and the mold to position the shelfsupport in the mold cavity in spaced relation to the sides of the moldcavity.

In one aspect of the invention, the shelf support has an aperture andthe post shaft extends into that aperture. Further, the aperture mayextend through the shelf support, the post shaft may extend through andbeyond the shelf support, and the apparatus may include a cooperatingnut with an opening to couple with the post shaft on a side of the shelfsupport opposite the post head. The shelf support may be interposedbetween the post head and the nut with the post head and nut interposedbetween the first part and the second part of the mold, whereby theshelf support is spaced from the sides of the mold cavity and supportedin the mold cavity.

The invention further includes a process of making an encapsulated shelfassembly which incorporates the aspects discussed above. This processincludes the steps of providing a mold apparatus defining a mold cavity,providing and supporting a shelf panel in the mold apparatus with anedge of the shelf panel extending into the mold cavity, providing andsupporting a shelf support in the mold apparatus with a majority of tileshelf support positioned in the mold cavity and spaced from the sides ofthe mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with a moldable material toencapsulate each of the majority of the shelf support and the edge ofthe shelf panel, and removing the encapsulated shelf assembly from themold cavity. In one aspect of the invention, the step of supporting theshelf support in the mold cavity may include mounting at least onespacing member on the shelf support, the spacing member engaging thesides of the mold cavity to space the shelf support from the sides ofthe mold cavity and support the shelf support. The shelf support mayalso be provided with a mounting portion which extends out of the moldcavity to support the remaining portion of the shelf support in the moldcavity, the mounting portion of the shelf support being clamped in themold apparatus.

The process may also include the steps of providing at least one shelfsupport with at least one alignment aperture and at least one hole,providing an alignment post with a head and a shaft extending away fromthe head, inserting the alignment post shaft into the shelf supportalignment aperture, pushing the alignment post head against one side ofthe shelf support, providing a panel with two opposing panel edges,providing a mold to enclose the two opposing edges of the panel and theshelf support, positioning the shelf support in the mold, positioningthe panel in the mold, closing the mold to enclose the shelf support andthe panel and to form a mold cavity defining a contiguous void spacearound at least a substantial majority of the shelf support and aroundthe two panel edges, and filling the mold cavity with a moldablematerial to encapsulate each of the two panel edges and the substantialmajority of the shelf support. In one aspect of the method, at least oneelongated member with a body portion and a mount portion is provided forthe shelf support. Further, the mount portion of the elongated member isadapted to releasably couple at a plurality of vertically spacedpositions with an interior surface of a refrigerated compartment.

In another aspect of the method, a cooperating alignment nut formed withan opening to couple with the alignment post shaft is provided. Thealignment post shaft is inserted into the shelf support alignmentaperture, the alignment post head is pushed against one side of theshelf support, the alignment nut is mounted on the alignment post shaftwith the shaft received in the nut opening, and the alignment nut ispositioned against a side of the shelf support which is opposite thealignment post head.

In a further aspect of the method, the mold is formed with two moldportions. A void is formed in the first mold portion and the second moldportion slidingly engages the void to define a portion of the moldcavity. The step of positioning the shelf support in the mold furtherincludes clasping the alignment post between the first and secondportions of the mold to firmly hold the shelf support in the mold withthe at least a substantial majority of the shelf support positioned inthe mold cavity, spaced from each of the first mold portion and thesecond mold portion.

These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will berecognized by those who practice the invention and by those skilled inthe art, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II--II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III--III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line IV--IV of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is the view of FIG. 4 with the plug removed;

FIG. 6 is the view of FIG. 5 with an optional member mounted;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII--VII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a mold for producing the shelfof FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of along line IX--IX ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of detail X of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support bracket according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is the view of FIG. 11 showing assembly of a plug with thebracket;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line XIII--XIII ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line XIV--XIV of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of detail XV of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative, wide embodiment of ashelf according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along line XVII--XVII of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of detail XVII FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the center portion ofthe shelf of FIG. 16 with the center bracket removed;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the shelf portion shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a lower perspective view of the center bracket of the shelfof FIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the bracket of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is the view of FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment of ashelf according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line XXIV--XXIV of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is the view of FIG. 24 showing an alternative moldingconfiguration;

FIG. 26 is the view of FIG. 10 showing an alternative indexingarrangement to mold the shelf of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is the view of FIG. 24 showing another alternative embodiment ofa shelf according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is the view of FIG. 26 showing an alternative indexingarrangement to mold the shelf of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawing figures in greater detail, and FIGS. 1-4 inparticular, a shelf assembly 40 according to the present inventioncomprises a generally planar shelf panel 42, support brackets 44 and 46,and a one piece member or encapsulating cover 48 preferably formed froma moldable material as explained below. Member 48 encapsulates aperimeter edge 56 of panel 42 and a substantial majority of the brackets44, 46. Shelf assembly 40 is preferably cantilevered forward by brackets44 and 46 from a generally vertical surface, such as the rear wall of arefrigerator, for example. Shelf assembly 40 may also be adapted forother support structures, such as a sidewall for example. Shelf assembly40 is preferably sized to provide air circulation space between theshelf assembly and adjacent vertical surfaces of the refrigerator forproper circulation.

Shelf panel 42 may be any suitable shelving material, including a lighttransmitting material, for example, and is preferably about 0.130 inch(3.3 mm) thick, optically clear tempered glass to enhance lightdistribution through a refrigerated compartment. Perimeter edge 56 ofshelf panel 42 is preferably located above brackets 44 and 46 at twoopposing sides of shelf assembly 40. Brackets 44 and 46 are mirror imagereplicas of one another and are uniformly incorporated in shelf assembly40. Thus, bracket 44 will be discussed in greater detail with theunderstanding that the discussion applies equally to bracket 46.

As shown in FIG. 4, a flange portion 60 projects inwardly at a top edgeof a generally vertical web portion 64 of bracket 44. Flange 60 isprovided with two indexing apertures 66 and a series of fastening holes68 (FIGS. 3 and 23) to mechanically connect bracket 44 with one piecemember or encapsulating cover 48 (FIGS. 3-6), as will be discussed ingreater detail below. Web 64 is also provided with two indexingapertures 70 and several molding holes 72 (FIGS. 3 and 23). Supportbracket 44 may be fabricated of conventional materials by conventionalmethods as is well known for adjustable shelving brackets. For arefrigerator environment, bracket 44 is most preferably about fourteengage (0.0781 inch, 1.98 mm) steel with a powder coat finish. One suchfinishing product which performs well and is readily available, iscommonly known as Herberts Epoxy Polyester 071-30-06 White, availablefrom Herberts Powder Coatings, Inc. of Hilliard, Ohio.

While shelf assembly 40 may be used as a fixed shelf, shelf assembly 40is preferably used as a vertically adjustable shelf. Therefore, bracket44 is provided with a support body portion 74 and a support mountportion 76 (FIG. 3). Support mount 76 is adapted for releasableengagement at a plurality of vertically spaced positions with a supportsurface as may be provided by adjustable shelf tracks 78 (FIG. 1), as iscommonly practiced. Thus, support mount 76 is preferably formed withhooks 80 to engage rungs 82 in tracks 78 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Shelf assembly40 may, thereby, be positioned at a plurality of vertically spacedlocations along tracks 78.

Encapsulating cover 48 is most preferably formed in one piece aroundperimeter edge 56 of panel 42 and around at least a significant majorityof the brackets 44, 46, namely, support body portion 74 for tightconnection of panel 42 with the brackets. One piece member 48 is formedfrom any suitable moldable material, including, but not limited to,structural, resinous plastics such as ABS, polyvinyl chloride, orcopolymers, such as a combination of ethylene and polypropylene, forexample. One readily available material which performs well and meetsFDA regulations for food packaging applications is Tenite® PolypropyleneP5M4K-007, available from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., a marketingaffiliate of Eastman Kodak Company. A coloration pigment may be added tothe moldable material from which one piece member 48 is formed in orderto provide desired colors. Titanium dioxide may be added for a whitecoloration for example. In a refrigerator shelf application of theinvention, the materials used must, of course, be FDA approved for foodcontact.

In the embodiment shown, one piece member 48 encapsulates perimeter edge56, forming a rim 86, and encapsulates support body portion 74, exceptfor small areas around the flange and web indexing apertures 66 and 70,respectively, with an about 0.0787 inch (2 mm) thick sheathing (FIGS.1-6). Support mount 76 is not encapsulated by member 48, but remainsuncovered to engage and releasably couple with the adjustable shelftracks 78, which are commonly used for adjustable shelving. Thus, member48 encapsulates a significant majority of the brackets 44, 46, but doesnot entirely encapsulate the brackets. Portions not encapsulated includesupport mount 76; a first recess 90, and a second recess 92, eachprovided in member 48 at each web indexing aperture 70; and an indexrecess 94, provided at each flange indexing aperture 66 (FIG. 5). Thefirst and second recesses 90, 92 align with web indexing aperture 70 todefine a fastening aperture 96 through shelf support bracket 44.

Shelf assembly 40 further includes a plug 100 which comprises a post 102with a head 104 and shaft 106 and a cooperating nut 108 (FIGS. 4, 10,and 11). As will be explained below, post 102 and nut 108 are useful informing member 48 around the brackets 44, 46. Post shaft 106 extendsthrough a web indexing aperture 70 with post head 104 positioned to abutone side of bracket web 64. Cooperating nut 108 is formed with anaperture 110 to receive post shaft 106. Nut 108 is mounted on post shaft106 with the nut abutting bracket web 64 on a side opposite post head104. Nut 108 may be an annular member and may optionally be formed witha skirt portion 112 as shown in the embodiment of the drawing figures,with skirt portion 112 extending into web indexing aperture 70, betweenbracket web 64 and post shaft 106. Post head 104 is seated in firstrecess 90, defined in member 48, while nut 108 is seated in secondrecess 92, defined in member 48. While plug 100 is shown in the drawingfigures with post head 104 on the same side of bracket web 64 as bracketflange 60 and nut 108 is shown on a side of bracket web 64 opposite tobracket flange 60, the respective positions of post head 104 and nut 108may, of course, be interchanged, as will occur to those who are skilledin the art and to those who practice the invention.

Similar to member 48, plug 100 may be formed from any suitable moldablematerial, including, but not limited to, structural, resinous plasticssuch as ABS polyvinyl chloride, or copolymers, for example, as discussedmore particularly above. Depending upon the characteristics desired,plug 100 may be formed of the same material as member 48 or may beformed of a material having contrasting properties to those of thematerial for member 48, such as having a higher or lower temperaturemelting point for example. The inventors have specifically found anacetal resin thermoplastic marketed under the trademark Delrin™ by El DuPont de Nemours & Company to perform satisfactorily for plugs 100.

By the choice of material of plug 100 relative to the material formember 48, plug 100 may be fused or effectively welded with member 48 orplug 100 may be removable from member 48 and either of support brackets44 and 46 to reveal fastening apertures 96 so a storage device, forexample, may be attached to the support bracket, such as a slide rail orguide 120 (FIG. 6) as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,273,354, entitled MOLDED REFRIGERATED SHELF AND SUPPORT BRACKET andissued on Dec. 28, 1993, to Herrmann et al., the disclosure of which isincorporated here by reference. Slide guide 120 may be attached by useof screws or bolts 122 at two spaced positions along the length of web64 as specifically shown in FIG. 6, by riveting, or by engagement of afastening prong which extends into fastening aperture 96 from slideguide 120 or the like as are commonly known for mounting or assemblingshelving components.

As discussed above, one piece member 48 encapsulates perimeter edge 56of panel 42 with a rim 86 (FIGS. 1-6). Rim 86 is most preferably aperimeter rim which surrounds perimeter edge 56 and extends above a topsurface of shelf panel 42 to define a spill dam and contain spillsdisposed upon shelf panel 42 as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 5,362,145, entitled MOLDED REFRIGERATOR SHELF, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated here by reference. By molding rim 86 aboutperimeter edge 56, a liquid resistant seal is created between shelfpanel 42 and rim 86 to minimize, if not entirely preclude, seepage ofspills between shelf panel 42 and rim 86. Depending upon the specificmaterial used to form one piece member 48 and rim 86, the seal may beenhanced by coating perimeter edge 56, including the edge surface andadjoining portions of the top and bottom surfaces of shelf panel 42,with a primer layer of a cooperating, heat activable material or thelike which promotes and facilitates adhesion of rim 56 to shelf panel42, prior to forming rim 86 about perimeter edge 56.

Additional storage device attachment may be provided by forming at leastone front receptacle 126 in rim 86 at a front edge 234 of shelf panel 42and at least one cooperating back receptacle 128 in rim 86 at a backedge 236 of shelf panel 42 (FIGS. 1 and 7) as disclosed in greaterdetail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,084, entitled MOLDEDREFRIGERATOR SHELF WITH SNAP-IN SLIDE and the disclosure of which isincorporated here by reference.

In production, shelf assembly 40 may conveniently be molded in a mold140 incorporating the features disclosed in FIGS. 8-15 and discussedbelow. Referring more particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9, mold 140 generallyincludes a first or lower mold half 142 and a second or upper mold half144. In a closed position, with first or lower mold half 142 abuttingsecond or upper mold half 144, mold 140 forms a mold cavity 180 whichdefines the configuration of the encapsulating cover or sheathing ofshelf assembly 40, generally discussed here as one piece member 48,including rim 86 (FIGS. 8, 10, 13, and 14). Shelf panel 42 is positionedin mold 140 to extend at least partially into mold cavity 180. Those whoare skilled in the art, those who practice the invention, and those whootherwise have some familiarity with molding production technology willrealize that, while some materials (including metals and some plastics,for example) suitable for shelf panel 42 may absorb significantcompressive loads when clamped in mold 140, other materials (such asglass, for example) will accommodate only limited clamping loads in mold140. Thus, mold 140 should be adapted to the particular material ofshelf panel 42 as is well known in the molding industry.

As mentioned above, shelf assembly 40 may optionally be provided withfront and back slide guide receptacles 126 and 128 (FIG. 7),respectively, for installation of a slide guide 120 as is discussedfurther in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,084, referenced above. Thus, mold half142 may be provided with recesses or core beds 182 (FIGS. 9 and 14) toreceive sliding cores 184 to form the front slide guide receptacle 126and back slide guide receptacle 128, in front and back portions ofperimeter rim 86, respectively. Further, actuating cylinders 186 may bemounted on mold first half 142 with piston rods 188 extending throughmold first half 142 into core beds 182 to couple in sliding engagementwith sliding cores 184 to position sliding cores 184. Each sliding core184 is positioned on and connected with mold half 142 by a cap bolt 190(FIGS. 9, 14, and 15) or the like, and is provided with an elongatedfastening slot 192 having a shoulder 194 so the core 184 is slidable incore bed 182 and held in the core bed by bolt 190.

Each of shelf support brackets 44 and 46 is provided with a pair ofplugs 100, mounted in the two web indexing apertures 70 (FIGS. 9-13).Mold 140 is opened by separating first half 142 and second half 144 sosupport brackets 44 and 46 may be positioned on mold first half 142 bymanual or automated means, with flange indexing apertures 66 couplingwith cooperating indexing pins 204. Each of shelf support brackets 44and 46 is most preferably fabricated of a magnetic material and may,therefore, be held in place on mold first half 142 by a rare earthmagnet 205 (FIG. 9) embedded in first half 142 as is commonly practicedand known in the molding industry.

After the shelf support brackets 44 and 46 are positioned in the mold,or simultaneous to their positioning, shelf panel 42 is also positionedin mold first half 142 by manual or automated means, and may be held inmold 140 by conventional methods. With the shelf support brackets 44, 46and shelf panel 42 positioned on mold first half 142, mold 140 is closedby firmly abutting first half 142 and second half 144 together. Slidingcores 184 are preferably pulled outward into a molding position bycylinders 186 prior to placing shelf panel 42 but are so positioned atleast prior to actual molding.

Second half 144 is also provided with actuating cylinders 206 (FIGS. 8and 9) to manipulate a slide 208 and firmly clamp support mount portion76 of each of shelf support brackets 44 and 46 between slide 208 andmold first half 142 after mold 140 is closed or simultaneous withclosing. With mold 140 closed and shelf support brackets 44 and 46secured, the moldable material to form the encapsulating cover orsheathing and perimeter rim 86 of one piece member 48 is injected intomold cavity 180 by machinery and passageways through mold 140 which arecommonly known and understood in the plastic molding industry. As themoldable material forming one piece member 48 enters mold cavity 180 andflows through the mold cavity, the material flows around perimeter edge56 of shelf panel 42, flows around portions of sliding cores 184 whichextend into mold cavity 180, and flows around shelf support brackets 44and 46 until mold cavity 180 is filled with the moldable material. Themoldable material also flows through flange fastening holes 68 (FIG. 13)and web molding holes 72 to make a secure mechanical connection betweenone piece member 48 and shelf support brackets 44 and 46.

Without the presence of plugs 100 (FIG. 10), the flow of the moldablematerial around the support brackets 44 and 46 may deflect the bracketscausing them to twist out of position. However, with plugs 100 in place,shelf support brackets 44 and 46 are tightly clamped and securelypositioned between plug post head 104 and nut 108, which in turn areclamped between mold first half 142 and second half 144.

After the moldable material forming one piece member 48 is allowed toset-up, harden, and cool, mold 140 is opened. Cylinders 186 areactivated concurrent with opening mold 140 cylinders 186 are activatedto slide sliding cores 184 inward and clear of mold cavity 180 and newlyformed perimeter rim 86. Once mold 140 opens, shelf assembly 40 isremoved from the mold.

In production and as is also well known in the molding industry, mold140 will be provided with means for cooling and heating such as a watercirculation system, to initially heat the mold to a desired steady stateoperating temperature prior to starting a production run and to maintainthe mold at that desired production temperature throughout the durationof the production run of shelf assembly 40. Thus, depending on a numberof production factors, including ambient temperature and the cyclingtime of mold 140, for example, the mold may require supplemental heatingor cooling throughout the production run to maintain the desiredproduction temperature.

Shelf assembly 40 may be a relatively narrower shelf assembly for use inthe relatively narrower compartments of a side-by-side refrigerator oras a partial width shelf in a compartment of a top or a bottom mountrefrigerator as is disclosed in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. No. 5,454,638, entitled ADJUSTABLE REFRIGERATOR SHELVING and thedisclosure of which is incorporated here by reference.

Shelf assembly 40 may also be a relatively wider shelf assembly as ismore specifically shown in FIG. 16 as an elongated shelf assembly 230,provided according to this invention for a full width shelf in a top ora bottom mount refrigerator or the like. Because of the extended widthof shelf assembly 230, anti-sagging reinforcement may be included. Thus,shelf assembly 230 may further be provided with a stiffening channel 232(FIGS. 17 and 18) wrapped around at least a front edge 234 of shelfpanel 42. Stiffening channel 232 may be extruded from 1018 cold-rolledsteel or otherwise formed to create an elongated, open-sided channelmember, sized to snugly slip-fit over the front edge 234 of shelf panel42. While stiffening channel 234 is depicted in the drawing figures witha stylized "G" section or profile, those who are skilled in the art andthose who practice the invention will appreciate the fact that numerousalternative profiles, including, but not limited to, "E", "F", and "S"or "Z" shapes, for example, may be used to develop the required greatersection modulous along the front edge 234 of shelf panel 42 to resistvertical loading deflection and, ultimately, fracture or failure. Theywill also appreciate that stiffening channel 232 may be formed ofvarious, readily available structural materials, including, plastics aswell as metals, for example, and may be formed by various, readilyavailable methods. To minimize potential corrosion of stiffening channel232, the channel is most preferably E-coated according to commonautomotive industry finishing standards, including the process of anionized washed steel step, a zinc phosphate dip, electrostatic painting,and curing or baking at about three hundred eighty to four hundred tendegrees Fahrenheit.

A stiffening channel 232 may also be provided along a back edge 236 ofshelf panel 42. However, a center support bracket 240 (FIGS. 17 and19-22) is preferably provided instead. Bracket 240 may be convenientlyformed from two symmetrical or mirror image pieces stamped from sixteengage steel and spot welded together, for example. For refrigeratorshelving use, bracket 240 may typically be provided with a whitepowder-coat finish as discussed in greater detail above regarding shelfsupport brackets 44 and 46. Bracket 240 has a body portion 242 whichextends rearward to a double hook arrangement 244 to mate with a two rowadjustable shelf track 78 or the like, commonly found as a center ofthree shelf tracks provided in contemporary top or bottom mountrefrigerators. Of course, the configuration of bracket 240 inconsideration of releasable engagement with an adjustable shelf trackwill be dictated by the particular shelving arrangement and,specifically, the shelf track with which bracket 240 will releasablycouple. In front elevation, bracket 240 presents a general T-shape witha pair of opposing flanges 246 extending from a top edge of the bodyportion 242 or web portion. Each flange 246 is provided with a lockingdevice, such as a barb 248, for example, to resist withdrawal of bracket240 from the molded rim 86 of shelf assembly 230 after assembly ofbracket 240 with shelf assembly 230.

A cooperating downward and rearward opening bracket slot 250 (FIGS. 19and 20) is provided in rim 86 and generally centered along back edge 236of shelf assembly 230. Bracket slot 250 has a cooperating main slot orhorizontal portion 252 oriented generally parallel to shelf panel 42 andspaced vertically below the shelf panel to receive flanges 246.Horizontal slot 252 opens to the back of shelf assembly 230 and is sizedfor force-fit engagement with flanges 246 to assure that the lockingdevice of bracket 240, namely, barbs 248 in the embodiment shown, iseffective in securing bracket 240 and resisting disassembly. Bracketslot 250 also has a stem portion 254 extending and opening generallydownward from horizontal slot 252 to accept the web or body 242 ofbracket 240 when flanges 246 engage and seat in horizontal slot 252.

In alternative molding of shelf assembly 40, mold stand-offs 260 whichproject into mold cavity 180 may be provided to abut web 64 of shelfsupport bracket 44 (FIG. 26) in combination with the use of plug post102, without plug nut 108, to index and secure shelf support bracket 44.The shaft 106 of post 102 may extend full length as discussed above andshown in FIG. 26 to provide a fastening aperture through one piecemember 48 and shelf support bracket 44. Alternatively, post shaft 106may be shortened to only extend into web indexing aperture 70, resultingin a shelf assembly as depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24. Of course, thoseskilled in the art and those who practice the invention will realizethat the relative positions of plug post 102 and mold stop 260 may beinterchanged as shown in FIG. 25, depending upon the specificconfiguration desired and application of the shelf assembly intended.The post 102 of FIG. 26 may also be replaced with a draw pin as is knownin the molding field, to index and space bracket 44. It will further beappreciated that flange index pins 204 may be modified to accept anotherpost 102 to mold a shelf assembly according to the invention in aconfiguration similar to that shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. In such case,cylindrical tubes or sleeves 270 are substituted for index pins 204,while posts 102 are fitted in indexing apertures 66 of support flange 60with enlarged heads 104 forming spacers engaging and separating edge 56of panel 42 and the top surface of flange 60. The shafts 106 of posts102 project into sleeves 270 to firmly position the bracket in the moldcavity. Of course, posts 102, when used in such manner, will remainpermanently embedded within the shelf between panel 42 and the supportbracket.

It will otherwise be generally understood by those who practice theinvention and by those skilled in the art, that various othermodifications and improvements may be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosed concept. The scope ofprotection afforded is to be determined by the claims and by the breadthof interpretation allowed by law.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. In a refrigeratedcompartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assemblycomprising:a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges; a shelfsupport supporting said panel; a one piece member encapsulating each ofsaid two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least a substantialmajority of said shelf support; said shelf support having at least oneaperture through said shelf support, said aperture having two opposingaperture ends, and wherein said one piece member has a recess alignedwith said aperture, at one of said two aperture ends.
 2. The shelfassembly defined in claim 1, wherein said recess is a first recess andsaid one piece member has a second recess aligned with said aperture atthe other of said two aperture ends, whereby said recess, said aperture,and said second recess define a fastening aperture through said shelfsupport.
 3. The shelf assembly defined in claim 2 further including asupport device connected with said shelf support by a fastener extendinginto said fastening aperture.
 4. The shelf assembly defined in claim 2further including a plug in said fastening aperture, said plug having apost with a head seated in said first recess and a shaft extending awayfrom said head, through said aperture, and at least partially into saidsecond recess.
 5. The shelf assembly defined in claim 4, wherein saidplug further includes a cooperating nut with an opening to couple withsaid shaft, said nut being seated in said second recess and coupled withsaid shaft.
 6. In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of anencapsulated shelf assembly comprising:a panel, said panel having twoopposing panel edges; a shelf support supporting said panel; a one piecemember encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges andencapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;said shelf support including a bracket positioned along one edge of saidpanel and coupled with said one edge of said panel by said one piecemember, and wherein said shelf assembly includes a panel stiffeningmember located at a second edge of said panel.
 7. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 6, wherein said panel stiffening member has anelongated body defining an open-sided channel and said second edge ofsaid panel is positioned in said open-sided channel.
 8. In arefrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelfassembly comprising:a panel, said panel having a perimeter edgesurrounding said panel and including two opposing panel edges; a shelfsupport supporting said panel said shelf support including top, bottomand opposing side surfaces; a one piece member encapsulating at least asubstantial majority of said shelf support; said one piece memberincluding a layer of moldable material engaging a major portion of saidtop, bottom and side surfaces of said shelf support and encapsulatingsaid perimeter edge including each of said two opposing panel edges todefine a perimeter rim surrounding said panel.
 9. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 8 further including seal means for liquid resistantsealing between said one piece member and said panel.
 10. The shelfassembly defined in claim 8, wherein said perimeter rim of said onepiece member defines at least one front receptacle at a front edge ofsaid panel and at least one back receptacle at a back edge of said paneland wherein said shelf assembly further includes at least one slidedevice to receive and support a separate article in sliding engagementunder said panel, said slide device being removably coupled with each ofsaid front receptacle and said back receptacle.
 11. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 8, wherein said one piece member is formed around saidperimeter edge and said shelf support and said one piece member is aseparate piece from at least one of said panel and said shelf support.12. In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulatedshelf assembly comprising:a panel, said panel having two opposing paneledges: a shelf support supporting said panel; a one piece memberencapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating atleast a substantial majority of said shelf support: said panel having aperimeter edge incorporating said two opposing panel edges andsurrounding said panel, and wherein said one piece member encapsulatessaid perimeter edge and defines a perimeter rim surrounding said panel;said shelf support including a third bracket, said third bracket beingpositioned between said two brackets, said third bracket being coupledwith said perimeter edge of said panel by said one piece member.
 13. Theshelf assembly defined in claim 12, wherein said third bracket has aflange and said one piece member has a cooperating slot, said flangebeing captured in said slot.
 14. In a refrigerated compartment, theimprovement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:a panel, saidpanel having two opposing panel edges; a shelf support supporting saidpanel; a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposing paneledges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelfsupport; said panel having a perimeter edge incorporating said twoopposing panel edges and surrounding said panel, and wherein said onepiece member encapsulates said perimeter edge and defines a perimeterrim surrounding said panel; said shelf support having at least one holethrough said shelf support, and wherein said one piece member extendsinto said hole to mechanically fasten said shelf support and said onepiece member together.
 15. The shelf assembly defined in claim 14,wherein said shelf support includes two elongated brackets, one of saidtwo brackets being generally parallel with one of said two opposingpanel edges, the other of said two brackets being generally parallelwith the other of said two opposing panel edges.
 16. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 15, wherein said shelf support includes a thirdbracket, said third bracket being positioned between said two brackets,said third bracket being coupled with said perimeter edge of said panelby said one piece member.
 17. The shelf assembly defined in claim 16,wherein said third bracket has a flange and said one piece member has acooperating slot, said flange being captured in said slot.
 18. In arefrigerated compartment, the improvement of an encapsulated shelfassembly comprising:a panel, said panel having two opposing panel edges;a shelf support supporting said panel; a one piece member encapsulatingeach of said two opposing panel edges and encapsulating at least asubstantial majority of said shelf support; said shelf support having asupport body with at least one hole through said support body, andwherein said one piece member extends into said hole to mechanicallyfasten said shelf support and said one piece member together.
 19. Theshelf assembly defined in claim 18, wherein said one piece member has afirst portion at one of two opposing sides of said hole through saidsupport body, a second portion at a second of said two opposing sides ofsaid hole, and an intermediate portion extending at least into saidhole, from said first portion toward said second portion.
 20. The shelfassembly defined in claim 18, wherein said shelf support includes twoelongated brackets, one of said two brackets being generally parallelwith one of said two opposing panel edges, the other of said twobrackets being generally parallel with the other of said two opposingpanel edges.
 21. In a refrigerated compartment, the improvement of anencapsulated shelf assembly comprising:a panel, said panel having twoopposing panel edges; a shelf support supporting said panel; a one piecemember encapsulating each of said two opposing panel edges andencapsulating at least a substantial majority of said shelf support;said shelf support having at least one hole through said shelf support,and wherein said one piece member extends into said hole to mechanicallyfasten said shelf support and said one piece member together.
 22. Theshelf assembly defined in claim 21, wherein said shelf support includestwo elongated brackets, one of said two brackets being generallyparallel with one of said two opposing panel edges, the other of saidtwo brackets being generally parallel with the other of said twoopposing panel edges.
 23. The shelf assembly defined in claim 22,wherein said shelf support includes a third bracket, said third bracketbeing positioned between said two brackets, said third bracket beingcoupled with said perimeter edge of said panel by said one piece member.24. The shelf assembly defined in claim 23, wherein said third brackethas a flange and said one piece member has a cooperating slot, saidflange being captured in said slot.
 25. In a refrigerated compartment,the improvement of an encapsulated shelf assembly comprising:a panel,said panel having two opposing panel edges; a shelf support supportingsaid panel, said shelf support including top, bottom and opposing sidesurfaces; a one piece member encapsulating each of said two opposingpanel edges and encapsulating at least a substantial majority of saidshelf support; said one piece member including a layer of moldablematerial engaging a major portion of said top, bottom and side surfacesof said shelf support and said opposing panel edges to secure said paneland shelf support together.
 26. The shelf assembly defined in claim 25,wherein said shelf support has a support body and a support mount, andwherein said support mount releasably couples at a plurality ofvertically spaced positions, with an interior surface of a refrigeratedcompartment.
 27. The shelf assembly defined in claim 25, wherein saidpanel has a perimeter edge incorporating said two opposing panel edgesand surrounding said panel, and wherein said one piece memberencapsulates said perimeter edge.
 28. The shelf assembly defined inclaim 27 further including seal means for liquid resistant sealingbetween said one piece member and said panel.
 29. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 28, wherein said one piece member is formed around saidperimeter edge and said shelf support and is a separate piece from atleast one of said panel and said shelf support.
 30. The shelf assemblydefined in claim 1, wherein said shelf support has two opposing sides,said shelf assembly includes a fastening aperture extending through saidshelf support, said one piece member having a recess aligned with saidfastening aperture at each of said two sides of said shelf support. 31.The shelf assembly defined in claim 30 further including a supportdevice connected to said shelf support by a fastener extending into saidfastening aperture.
 32. The shelf assembly of claim 25 wherein saidmoldable material of said one piece member is selected from the groupconsisting of resinous plastics including ABS, polyvinyl chloride, and acopolymer.
 33. The shelf assembly of claim 32 wherein said copolymer isa combination of ethylene and polypropylene.
 34. The shelf assembly ofclaim 33 wherein said resinous plastic includes a coloration pigment toprovide a desired color for said one piece member.